Authored by Crystal Crowder in Dogs 
Published on 10-22-2009

You’ve seen them in movies and in the pocketbooks of some of Hollywood’s elite. Now you want your own Chihuahua puppy. Raising a Chihuahua puppy requires time and devotion. When you decide to bring a Chihuahua puppy into your home, remember it’s like bringing home a new child, with the exception of the dreaded diaper changes.

Chihuahuas remain in the puppy stage for almost two years. They will be fully grown before then, but the happy, hyper puppy stage remains. The first thing you’ll need to think about is food for your new Chihuahua. This breed is notoriously picky. Choose a dry food with small pieces, especially puppy or small breed formulas. Larger pieces are hard for Chihuahuas to chew and digest. Wet food can be used to supplement their diet if they’re extremely picky over dry food. Only feed Chihuahuas wet food once a day. Wet food can cause diarrhea. Avoid table scraps as much as possible to prevent obesity, diarrhea and choking.

Leave dry food out during the day. This will prevent you from having to stick to a strict feeding schedule. Put food away at night to prevent overeating and to get them to sleep faster. Clean food and water bowls at least once a week. If you feed them wet food, rinse the bowl out after they’re done. Avoid using any heavily scented dishwashing liquids on their bowls. The scent can cause them not to eat. Treat your Chihuahua puppy with small rawhide treats. This strengthens and cleans their teeth.

The worst part about any new puppy is potty training. With Chihuahua puppies, there are two popular methods for training: indoor and outdoor. For outdoor potty training, pick up pee pads. Place these around the area your Chihuahua typically plays. This will help keep the floors clean in the event of accidents. Pay close attention to your puppy so you know when to take them outside. Wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes after eating and go out with your puppy until they potty. If they do use the floor, scold them and take them outside. Staying vigilant will help them learn to ask to go outside when they need to potty. When outdoors, keep your Chihuahua within site or on a leash to prevent them from running away or getting hurt.

For indoor training, get a large, open litter box complete with litter. The same methods for outdoor training apply, except you’ll be taking them to the litter box instead of outside. This is perfect for owners who live in apartments or have to be away from home frequently.

Remember that your Chihuahua puppy is small and fragile. Be gentle. Stay patient. Play with your puppy, especially with small toys. This breed does tire easily, so don’t panic if they can’t play for hours at a time.

Chihuahua puppies require a lot of time, love and patience. Stay on top of potty training and keep your puppy entertained. The more time you spend together, the closer the bond will be.